Having water brought straight to our homes is nothing new, it’s quite ancient actually. Having clean hot water running throughout our home, however, is something that was long only for kings and queens in fancy castles. All of that modern luxury is thanks to that hard-working little hot water tank you’ve probably got stowed away in a closet.
Hot water tanks don’t last forever and they do sometimes need repairs, but there are some circumstances where replacement is preferred or inevitable. Here are a few signs you might need to replace yours:
Your Water Tank is Over a Decade Old
Water tanks don’t last forever, and they do have a lifespan that depends on its quality and how well it was installed and maintained. Generally, you’re looking at around 10-15 years tops for a typical hot water tank, perhaps less if the quality isn’t that good or if you’ve neglected to have it maintained when it needed it.
If your hot water tank is pushing close to (or is over) around 10 years old, it’s probably going to be a lot easier to simply get a hot water tank replacement in Melbourne instead of repairing it. If it’s only a few years old and otherwise in good condition, repairs tend to be cheaper than buying new.
You’re Seeing “Rusty” or Discoloured Water
Water should look like… water! Clear and clean, good enough to shower in, good enough to drink from the tap. Potable water should never look discoloured or rusty in appearance, and it shouldn’t look like that if you live in Melbourne or a large city. Cloudy water might happen in rural areas, however, and it may not mean the water tank is defective.
If you’re seeing discoloured water coming out of the sink, shower, and so on, then your water tank could be building up sediment and corroding along the interior. If detected early, you could have it cleaned out. If detected too late, it may be failing and it’s often better to replace it.
You’re Frequently Getting Inconsistent Water Temperature
What good is a hot water tank if it isn’t giving you hot water on-demand (or at least, after a few seconds of building up to the desired heat)?
If you’re seeing fluctuating water temperatures or it’s just not very hot at all, the problem is likely the heating element or perhaps a broken thermostat. Repairs can address these issues, but they are often a telltale sign that a replacement is due or will be due shortly.
You’ve Spotted Leaks or Humidity Buildups Around the Tank
Your water tank might be located indoors or outdoors, but it’s probably in a closet or some sort of enclosure. That area should be kept clean and dry, and there shouldn’t be any leaks coming from the water tank.
If you do, however, spot moisture building up around the tank or there’s a leak, this is a pretty serious concern. Leaks can damage much more than the tank itself (which probably needs replacement ASAP); they can damage your home and rot timber, attract pests and rodents, and simply lead to many more headaches than anticipated.
You’re Hearing Strange Noises from the Tank
Modern high-quality hot water tanks are about as quiet as a mouse, but most tanks will emit even a little bit of faint noise at times. What isn’t normal is hearing unusual noises like banging, rumbling, or clanging from inside of the tank. These are usually caused by buildups of sediment inside the tank and they are often components banging about, which naturally wear them out much sooner than normal.
If removal of the sediment is done too late, or not at all, replacement is the only realistic option.
FastnLocal Plumbing
Get your water tank replaced professionally by FastnLocal Plumbing.